What are the consequences of diastasis recti?

The consequences of the diastasis are both cosmetic and functional. Cosmetically, the belly bulges forward. This is almost always combined with excess skin and fat on the abdominal wall. Functionally, the rectus muscles are the most important stabilizers of the front of the spine. When they drift laterally, the alignment of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is altered. The chest bends back, developing a condition called "lordosis," the belly bulges forward, and the buttocks drift backwards. In addition, the external oblique muscles insert into the rectus muscles and lose their normal tone. That hurts the efficiency of that muscle.

The combination of this situation is poor posture, low-back pain and decreased abdominal strength.

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